JPH02143708A - Channel return device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To concentrate the viewing and hearing to an unpopular program by receiving a main channel program again even if plural unpopular programs on other channels are viewed, and automating the changeover to the main channel having been implemented by the user operation. CONSTITUTION:An input device 13 is provided with a channel key and a return key, an instruction decoder 14, a channel return function processing unit 15, a storage device 16, a tuner controller 17, a counter and counter processing unit 18, a display data processing unit 19 and the block surrounded by broken lines is subject to circuit integration. In the return node, even when plural unpopular programs on other channels are viewed by using the channel key or the like, when the return mode is finished, the main channel program is received again and the return to the normal mode is present by the return key. Thus, the attention to the viewing of the unpopular program on other channel is concentrated.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Object of the Invention] (Industrial Application Field) The present invention relates to a channel return device for 81 television receivers, and more particularly to a channel return device that facilitates canceling the return mode setting. .

(Prior Art) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a television receiver incorporating a conventional channel return device.

The RF multiplied signal induced in the antenna 1 is input to the tuner 2 . The tuner 2 is composed of a tuning circuit, a frequency conversion circuit, etc. (not shown), and the tuner 2 is composed of a tuning circuit and a frequency conversion circuit (not shown).
The signal is selectively amplified and frequency converted, and the intermediate frequency signal (
Outputs the IF multiplied signal. The video signal processing circuit 3 amplifies the signal by IF times and detects the signal, and sends the video signal to the deflection circuit 4 and the picture tube 5.
supply to. The deflection circuit 4 applies horizontal and vertical deflection currents to a deflection yoke (not shown) of the picture tube 5 to cause the picture tube 5 to display an image. On the other hand, the IF multiplied signal is also supplied to the audio circuit 6, and the audio circuit 6 outputs the audio signal to the speaker 7 to output audio.

The viewer operates a channel key (not shown) on an input device 8, such as a keyboard or a remote control device, to designate a reception channel 1/channel.

Then, channel data is output from the input device 8, and this channel data is stored in the current channel number storage circuit 9. The tuner control device 10 generates a control signal based on the channel data stored in the current channel number storage circuit 9 and outputs it to the tuner 2. The frequency conversion circuit of the tuner 2 is controlled by a control signal from the tuner control device 10, so that the channel desired by the viewer is received.

The channel data being received is stored in the current channel number storage circuit 9, and the on-screen display circuit 11 introduces the stored channel data and sends a video signal indicating the channel number to the video signal processing circuit 3. The channel number and the like are displayed on the screen of the picture tube 5 without indicating the receiving channel. Furthermore, with the 1' device shown in FIG. 4, by a simple operation, it is possible to switch between the 'f-tunnel received immediately before receiving the current channel (hereinafter referred to as the previous 11 channel) and the channel currently being received (hereinafter referred to as the previous 11 channel). , channel return) is now possible.

That is, when the channel data in the current channel number storage circuit 9 is updated, this channel data is transferred to the previous channel number storage circuit 12 and stored therein. That is, the current channel number storage circuit 9 stores the channel data being received, and the previous channel 11 channel number storage circuit 12 stores the channel data of the previous channel (hereinafter referred to as previous channel data). When the viewer operates a return key (not shown) of the input device 8, a return signal is output from the input device 8,
The channel data in the current channel number storage circuit 9 and the channel data in the previous channel number storage circuit 12 are exchanged. In this way, viewers input bags! ? Every time you press the return key of 8, the receiving channel will switch between two stations, and then you will hear ``Dil!''. This makes channel operation easy.

By the way, such a channel data 2 function is used when there are two desired channels in the same time period. For example, programs such as drama broadcasts that cannot be understood unless watched continuously (hereinafter referred to as
This is useful when you want to check the progress of a live broadcast of a sports program on another channel (hereinafter referred to as a subprogram) between broadcasts on the main channel (for example, during commercial broadcasts). . However, since channel switching using the return key on the input device 8 is possible only between two stations, the front channel and the receiving channel, if the return key is operated to switch channels while the channel is being received, ) If you try to check the contents of multiple subprograms by operating the channel keys of the device 8, there is a problem that you cannot re-receive the main channel program by operating the return key of the input device 8. there were.

In addition, since the receiving channel is changed by user operation, when trying to watch a subprogram during a commercial break of the main channel program, time is measured to obtain the switching operation timing to match the end time of the commercial. There was a problem in that it was difficult to concentrate on watching the opposite program.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) As described above, in the conventional channel return device described above, when a plurality of counter programs are confirmed, the main channel program cannot be re-received, and the viewer There was a problem in that the user had to judge the timing of the operation to switch to the main channel program, making it impossible to concentrate on watching the alternate program.

The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and includes:
Even if you have watched multiple alternate programs, you can re-receive the main channel program, and the user can automatically switch to the main channel, eliminating the need for complicated operations. It is an object of the present invention to provide a tunnel return device.

[Configuration of the Invention (Means for Solving the Problems) The present invention provides an input device that has a channel key and a return key, and is capable of switching from a normal mode to a return mode based on a key operation of the return key. , a storage device having first and second channel areas, and in the normal mode, each time the digital channel key is operated, channel data corresponding to the operation is stored in the first channel area, and the input channel data is stored in the first channel area. The channel data stored in the channel area of 'XIl before the channel data operation is transferred to and stored in the second channel area, and the address of the first channel area is designated and stored there. In the return mode, specify the address of the second channel area and read the channel data stored there, and in this mode, use the channel key When the control II device is operated, the data of the channel corresponding to this operation is stored in the second channel area and read out.The control II device performs a second process of storing and reading out the data of the channel corresponding to this operation, and when the mode changes from the normal mode to the return mode, it starts counting and sets a predetermined value. This is a counter that determines the return time by outputting a signal indicating the end of the return mode when it counts.

(Operation) In the present invention, channel data is read from different areas of the storage device and channel selection is performed in the normal mode and return mode. That is, in the normal mode, the channel data of the receiving channel is stored in the first channel area, and the channel data of the channel selected immediately before this channel is selected is stored in the second channel area. has been done. When the return mode is entered, the address of the second channel area of the storage device is designated and channel data is written and read. Therefore, in return mode, the last channel area in normal mode will continue to be stored in the first channel area, and when return mode ends, the first channel area will be specified and based on this channel data. A selection of stations will be held. Also,
The counter starts counting from the start of the turn mode, measures the time four times, and determines the end time of the return mode, so the user does not need to perform a complicated operation to end the return mode.

(Example) Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a television receiver incorporating a channel return device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The part numbers surrounded by broken lines are integrated circuits. In FIG. 1, the same components as in FIG. 4 are given the same reference numerals.

R118 induced in the antenna 1 is introduced into the tuner 2. RF (Select the specified channel 11 from No. 5 and
The configurations of a tuner 2 for outputting an F-fold signal, a video signal processing circuit 3, a deflection circuit 4, a picture tube 5, an audio circuit 6, a speaker 7, and an on-screen display circuit 11 are the same as those of the prior art.

The input device 13 is composed of a keyboard, a remote control device, or the like, and includes a channel key and a return key (not shown). The channel key specifies the reception channel, and the return key specifies the start and end of the return mode for channel return operations, as well as the time to end the return mode (hereinafter referred to as return time). . Signals 1.1 based on these key operations are introduced into the instruction decoding device 14. The instruction decoder @14 is configured to interpret these signals and output channel keyer and return signals to the channel return function processor 15.

The channel return function processing device 15 is connected to the input device 13
The normal mode and the return mode are switched based on the key operation of the return key. That is, when the return signal is introduced in the normal mode, the mode is switched to the return mode, and when the return signal is introduced again after 2 seconds or more have elapsed since the return signal was introduced, the mode is switched to the normal mode.

Channel 1/channel return function processor 15 transfers this channel data to storage device 16 when a channel keyter is installed. The +tn device 16 has a front channel area and a main channel area, and the address is specified by the channel return function processing device 15.
It stores channel data and outputs the channel data to the tuner control device 17. In the normal mode, the address of the main channel area is specified, and in the return mode, the address of the previous channel area is specified.

Therefore, the channel data introduced into the channel return function processing device 15 is stored in the main channel area and read out in the normal mode, and is stored in the front channel area and read out in the return mode. In other words, the channel data of the main channel program that was received immediately before the return mode (hereinafter referred to as main channel data) continues to be stored in the main channel area even if new channel data is introduced during the return mode. Furthermore, in the normal mode, each time a channel key is input to the channel return function processing device 15, data in the main channel area is transferred to the previous channel area.

Therefore, in the normal mode, +'+ff channel data is stored in the previous channel area, and the main channel data stored in the main channel area is read out, and in the return mode, If the channel key or the like is not operated, the previous channel data is read from the previous channel data, and if the channel key or the like is operated, the channel data based on this key operation is read.

The tuner control device 17 is controlled by the channel 1/channel return function processing device 15 and a counter and counter processing device 18, which will be described later, and provides a control signal to the tuner 2 based on the channel data read from the storage device 1G. Receive the desired channel.

The counter and counter processing device 18 measures the time by down-counting a predetermined number of times, and when the count value reaches 0, it outputs a signal to the tuner control device 17 indicating that the return mode has ended. It has become. Offset time data is sent to the counter and counter control device 18 from the channel return function processing device 15, and an offset time of 60 seconds is set as the return time. Furthermore, if a return signal that does not indicate return to the normal mode is introduced and a return signal is introduced again within 2 seconds, the channel return function processing device 15 controls the counter and counter processing device 18. Give return time data and return time 3
I try to maintain the extension for 0 seconds. In this embodiment, the maximum value of the count value, that is, the maximum value of the return time, is set to 320 seconds.

The display data processing device 19 processes display data for displaying channel display, return time display, etc. on the screen, and is controlled by the channel return function processing device 15. The display data processing device 19 receives received channel data from the channel return function processing device 15, and outputs display data for displaying the channel key of the received channel to the on-screen display circuit 11. Further, in the return mode, return time data is introduced, and display data for displaying the return time is also output to the on-screen display circuit 11. In addition, if more than 2 seconds have elapsed since the introduction of the return signal, which does not indicate a return to normal mode, the display of the return time will be stopped.
The channel key display is stopped 4 seconds after channel data is introduced or 4 seconds after the return time display is stopped. Note that the channel number and return time are displayed in green, and when the maximum return time (320 seconds) is set, the return time display is changed to red.

Next, the operation of the embodiment apparatus configured as described above will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the return mode, and FIGS. 3(a) to 3(0) are explanatory diagrams showing changes in the screen displayed on the screen. Third
Figure (a) shows both sides in normal mode, Figure 3 (b) shows the screen when changed to return mode, and Figure 3 (
C) shows the screen when the return key is operated within 2 seconds after changing to return mode, and Fig. 3 (d) shows the screen when the return key is not operated for more than 2 seconds from the state of Fig. 3 (C). Figure 3(e) shows the screen 4 seconds after the return time display disappears, and Figure 3(f) shows the screen when 90 seconds have passed after changing to return mode. 3(0) shows the screen 4 seconds after the display of FIG. 3(f).

First, in step S1, main processing, ie, decoding of a signal from the input device 13, detection of a local key (channel key), counting of a timer, etc., is performed. In the normal mode, channel data based on channel key operations is introduced into the channel return function processing device 15, and this channel data is stored in the main channel area of the storage device 16. is given to the tuner control @ device 17, and the tuner control device 17 outputs a control signal to the tuner 2,
The desired channel is being received. Note that each time channel data is introduced into the channel return function processing device 15, the channel data stored in the main channel area of the storage device 16 is transferred and stored as the previous channel data. In addition, the channel return function processing device 15 provides channel data to the display data processing device 19, and displays the channel key on-screen for 4 seconds when the receiving channel changes. Immediately before shifting to the return mode, it is assumed that a variety program being broadcast on 8 channels is being viewed, as shown in FIG. 3(a). That is, the main channel program will be this variety program.

In step S2, it is detected whether the return key of the input device 13 is operated and a return signal is introduced. When the return signal is detected, it is determined in step S3 whether the return time is being displayed. If the return signal was introduced during the normal mode, the process moves to step S5 via step S4, and a flag indicating the return mode is set. It is assumed that when the return key is operated, sports programs of 4+ channels are stored in the front channel area of the storage device 16.

Next, in step S6, the channel return function processing device 15 outputs the offset time data to the 7J counter and counter processing device 18, and sets an offset time of 60 seconds.Next, in step S7, the channel return function processing device 15 outputs the offset time data to the 7J counter and counter processing device The address of the previous channel data of No. 16 is specified, the previous channel data is outputted to the tuner control device 17, and the front channel is received (step S8).

Next, in step S9, the channel return function processing device 15 provides the channel data and return time data to the display data processing circuit 19, and displays the channel data and return time data on the screen as shown in FIG.
Display the screen shown in b).

FIG. 3(b) shows that the receiving channel is a 4-way channel and the return time (offset time) is 60 seconds. Note that if the channel key of the input device 13 is operated here, since it is the return mode, the channel return function processing device 15 stores the channel data based on the key operation in the previous channel area, and this channel data is stored in the previous channel area. Tuner control device 17
given, and this channel is received.

Next, suppose that the return key is operated again within 2 seconds after the first return key operation. If so, step S
A return signal is detected in step S2, and it is determined in step S3 whether or not a return time is being displayed. Since two seconds or more have not elapsed since the first return key operation, the return time is displayed on the screen, and in step 810 it is determined whether the return time has reached the maximum value. . Note that the return time is determined from the count value of the counter and counter processing device 18.

In step S10, if the return time is the maximum, the return time is not extended. If the return time is not the maximum, step S1
In step 1, the return time is extended. That is, the channel return function processing device 15 provides the return time data to the counter and counter processing device 18, and increases the initial count value by 30 seconds. Further, a screen indicating a return time of 90 seconds will be displayed on the screen, as shown in FIG. 3(C). In step 812, it is determined whether the return time has reached the maximum due to the processing of the slap 811, and if the return time has reached the maximum, step S1
3, the color of one display of the return time is changed from green to red.

If the return key is not operated within 2 seconds after the return time of 90 seconds is displayed, the return time display will disappear (Figure 3 (d)), and after another 4 seconds, the channel number will also be displayed. disappears (Fig. 3(e)). In this way, if the return key is not operated, the process moves from step S2 to step S14. In step 814, time is measured, and it is determined whether one second has elapsed.

In step S15, it is determined whether the mode is the return mode, and in step 81G, it is determined whether the return time is being displayed. If the return time is no longer displayed in the return mode, the count value of the counter and counter processing device 18 will count down by one second every time one second passes.

Next, when the count value of the counter and counter processing device 18 becomes O in step 818, step 81
The process moves to step 9, and a return to the normal [-] mode is performed. Further, the transition to step Si9 is also performed by operating the return key. That is, return mode 'C''
When the return key is operated after 2 seconds or more have elapsed since the last time the return key was operated, a return signal is detected in step S2, and it is determined in step S3 that the return time is not displayed. Further, in step S4, it is determined that the mode is the return mode, and the process moves to step 819.

In step S19, the flag indicating return mode is set down to return to normal mode. As a result, the channel return function processing device 15 causes the tuner control device 17 to output the channel data stored in the main channel area of the storage device 16 to perform channel selection (step S21°522). In the return mode, the main channel area stores the main channel data of the main channel (a variety day program that was broadcast on 8 channels), and by operating the return key, the main channel data for 90 seconds at step 818 is stored. The main channel program will be received again after the return time of 1 has elapsed.

In step S22, the channel number is displayed as shown in FIG. 3(f), and after 4 seconds, the channel number is displayed as shown in FIG. 3(g). will be deleted.

In this way, in this embodiment, the normal mode and return mode are switched by operating the return key, and in the return mode, the main channel data is stored and narrowed down in the main channel area, and the return time set by the return key is changed. When the normal mode is returned after a period of time has elapsed, the main channel data in the main channel area is read out and channel selection is performed. Therefore, even if you watch multiple alternate programs using the channel key etc. during return mode,
When the return mode ends, you can re-receive the main channel program, and the return to normal mode can be set in advance by pressing the return key, so you can concentrate on watching the actual program. . Note that the times such as 2 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, 320 seconds, etc. mentioned in the specification are examples, and can be arbitrarily set without being limited to these times.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, according to the present invention, even if a plurality of counter programs are watched during the return operation, the main channel program can be re-received, and complicated operations are not required. The return operation can be terminated without
This has the effect of allowing you to concentrate on watching the opposite program.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a TV Jimin receiver incorporating a channel return device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a flowchart 1 for explaining the operation of the embodiment device.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the changes in the screen, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a conventional channel return device. 13... Input device, 14... Instruction decoding device, 1
5...Channel return function processing device, 16...
Storage device, 17... Tuner control device, 18... Counter and counter processing device, 19... Display data processing device. 17> Tena (a) (b) (C) (d) (e) (f) Figure 1 Figure 3

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) An input device having a channel key and a return key and capable of switching from normal mode to return mode based on the key operation of the return key, and a storage device having first and second channel areas; In the mode, each time the channel key is operated, the data of the channel corresponding to that operation is stored in the first channel area, and the channel data that was stored in the first channel area before the channel key operation is stored in the first channel area. The first process is to read the channel data stored there by specifying the address of the first channel area, and in the return mode, the data is transferred to the second channel area and stored. A second method that specifies an address and reads out the channel data stored there, and when the channel key is operated in this mode, the data of the channel corresponding to this operation is stored in the second channel area and read out. The present invention is equipped with a control device that performs the processing, and a counter that starts counting when the normal mode changes to the return mode, and outputs a signal indicating the end of the return mode when a predetermined value is counted, thereby determining the return time. Features a channel return device. (2) A return time change key that is added to the input device and instructs to change the return time in return mode; and return time change means that changes the initial value of the counter based on the key operation of the return time change key. The channel return device according to claim 1, further comprising: